"Products like split-end menders, leave-in conditioners and treatment masks can seal the outer layer of strands so they temporarily appear smoother and less frayed and feel softer, and help protect hair from further damage." However, the only real long-term solution is by cutting your hair, to trim off damaged areas.
Depending on how dry your hair is, results will vary. If your hair isn't too damaged, you might see results after the first treatment, says McGuinness. If things are a bit more serious, it might take two to three months of bi-weekly treatments, along with conservative heat styling.
Here are some common signs of damaged hair: Split ends: When the ends of the hair shafts are frayed, it creates a split or forked appearance. Dryness: Damaged hair often appears dry and rough, lacking the natural shine and softness of healthy hair. Dullness: Damaged hair can lose its luster, looking dull and lifeless.
Some causes of dry hair are: Excessive hair washing, or using harsh soaps or alcohols. Excessive blow-drying. Dry air due to the climate.
It's not a bad idea to try and use moisturizing products across the board, but, at the very least, incorporate a moisturizing deep conditioner or treatment into your routine once per week, Wellman advises. A few key ingredients to seek out: Shea butter, avocado, glycerin, and aloe, all of which are deeply moisturizing.
"Cutting off the over-processed hair and starting anew with the healthier hair on the head is an option to 'restart' a healthy hair journey. Damaged strands can break and continue to do so along up the shaft making the hair shorter, so often a good snip is the solution."
The primary cause of straw hairs is a lack of moisture and proper conditioning, as the hair fibers become hardened and stiff. To restore healthy hair, it is essential to maintain adequate moisture levels at all times. This can be done by using mild cleansing products and rich moisturizing formulations.
Vitamin C deficiency can cause dry, brittle hair and lead to iron deficiency anemia, which often results in hair shedding. This is because Vitamin C is essential for the absorption of iron, which is necessary for healthy hair growth. The following factors can cause a lack of Vitamin C: A diet lacking in Vitamin C.
A professional hair stylist will be able to diagnose your hair's condition in more detail, but in general, damaged hair breaks easily when pulled and has visible split ends (due to fragile bonds), while dry hair is often accompanied by white flakes of skin and a coarse, rough texture.
There are three levels of hair porosity: high, medium and low. High porosity hair has a more open cuticle layer—making it easy for moisture to get in but hard for it to stay in. Low porosity hair has a more tightly bound cuticle layer, making it tough for moisture to get in at all.
As the natural oils in your hair stay on your scalp, the build-up will eventually cause it to go limp and lifeless. Some of this can also be attributed to using the wrong hair products, applying them too close to the roots, or not washing them out properly.
You may see fragile, dry, and easily knotted coils and curls here. Dehydrated hair also exhibits a lack of luster and the inability to withstand heat. Create a consistent hair care regimen for hair that lacks moisture to help pull water content into the hair strands. This will increase strength and bounce.
If you're trying to heal your hair, avoid all types of heat, hair color and bleaching. Limit how often you wash your hair — it's best to wash your damaged hair no more than two times a week because overwashing can lead to dryness, thus further damaging your hair.
Damaged hair is fragile, so it tends to break. Hair breakage can leave us with frizzy, unhealthy-looking hair. If we continue to damage our hair, we may eventually see thinning hair or even bald spots. The good news is that simple changes can prevent further hair damage.
Gently pull the hair at both ends and see how stretchy it is. If it's able to expand by around a third and then returns to it's original length, then you know your hair is healthy. If there is no give at all, then you have damage problems. Your hair needs a protein boost and some serious TLC.
Hair can become dry and damaged for many reasons. Over processed, color-treated hair can lose oil and protein and eventually grow brittle and break if it's not conditioned continually, which can offset or stall more damage. But the damage that has already been created, is ultimately permanent and irreversible.